constituent 1 of 2

Definition of constituentnext

constituent

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constituent distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of constituent are component, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

How are the words component and constituent related?

Both component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

When is it sensible to use element instead of constituent?

While the synonyms element and constituent are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is ingredient a more appropriate choice than constituent?

Although the words ingredient and constituent have much in common, ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of constituent
Noun
Some of her constituents were also drawn into the Black-majority district held by Wilson, which has an even larger Black majority in the new maps and has a clear Democratic incumbent in Wilson. Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026 One by one, the constituents lined up with questions about the fate of their congressional district. Cecilia Vega, CBS News, 10 May 2026
Adjective
According to Hensley, the bill was prompted by a constituent request and evolved during the legislative process. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 The pressure in their interior is so great that atoms are crushed and split apart into their constituent particles. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • Flanked by several clergy members of various denominations, Dolan, 76, thanked his former colleagues, as well as civic and community officials, before praising Jesus Christ for his lengthy career in the church.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • The many Luderer family members (Brian has four children and Matt has six daughters) have united to keep the faith.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Much of Lofton’s research looks at developing a multi-level, multi-component food system intervention to address food insecurity inequities amongst Black American residents living in predominantly Black communities.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The company has stripped away the complexity, allowing anyone to snap spectacular images of galaxies and nebulae hundreds of light-years away without wrestling with multi-component setups requiring serious technical chops – all wrapped in Vaonis's trademark minimalist design.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Foundayo uses a different active ingredient than Lilly's blockbuster injectables Mounjaro and Zepbound, while Novo's Wegovy pill is essentially an extension of the company's injectable equivalents.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • Emeril’s websites describes the restaurant today as a refined, modern expression of Chef Emeril’s classics, guided by seasonality, Louisiana ingredients and contemporary technique.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • There are both national and individual narratives for an ancient object or work of art.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • Guardian® Disability Insurance Learn More Policy highlights Guardian issues individual long-term disability and group short-term disability insurance.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • At the Yale University Art Gallery, which is showing the complete series in the photographer’s largest exhibition yet, the images are hung in tall, orderly grids, like a periodic table of the human elements.
    Max Norman, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
  • On paper, certain design elements shouldn’t make sense, like the vine wallpaper mixed with cloth foliage fabric wall coverings, or the houndstooth wallpaper in a bathroom that’s already an alchemy of half a dozen different tile patterns.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • Analysts say a key factor in Adani’s meteoric rise over the years has been his knack for aligning his group’s priorities with those of the Modi government.
    Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • Thailand has long struggled with a high rate of deadly transportation accidents, with factors such as speeding, impaired driving and inconsistent traffic law enforcement frequently cited as contributing causes, according to the AFP.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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